Thread: Asphalt drive DIY

Dont call it hot mix for nothin these days, More of a chemical set than old bitumen, Frequently melted roads up here in qld, Think it had to do with the tar content. Arr as in tarmacadam.

Spend time getting the surface level & compacted ... Cheaper to level the surface with road base then the Asphalt

Mike

Can you get hold of crusher dust down you way? If so lay rotten rock or clay road base mixed with lime add H20 and roll it then crusher dust over that. Fill the 35's on the 4BD1 rangie with H20 to roll it.


How we do it here any way




Tony

Yes as said road base is the key, it isn't critical for it to be level like most things, just spreading it level will fix that, a depth of 100mm is best for a driveway, that's before compacted, wet it while compacting.

220deg C is the optimal temp for hotmix, Pioneer would be my choice of supplier

Baz.

You can get cold mix asphalt,we use it for patching potholes etc.We get it in 1T bulka bags,spreads easy with a rake/shovel.
Will try and find out the supplier and cost if you like,should be a national supplier.
You will need to hire a roller,one of those self propelled push style units will do.Wet the drive down till pretty wet on the first day,thump it as much as you can with the roller,allow to dry back overnite then spread the black stuff,1/2" thick should do then give it a good wack with the roller.
Should last forever on a driveway
Andrew

Originally Posted by LandyAndy

You can get cold mix asphalt,we use it for patching potholes etc.We get it in 1T bulka bags,spreads easy with a rake/shovel.
Will try and find out the supplier and cost if you like,should be a national supplier.
You will need to hire a roller,one of those self propelled push style units will do.Wet the drive down till pretty wet on the first day,thump it as much as you can with the roller,allow to dry back overnite then spread the black stuff,1/2" thick should do then give it a good wack with the roller.
Should last forever on a driveway
Andrew

But cold mix is really expensive compared to hot mix Andy.

Baz.

He could just do the "wheel tracks" but it will be prone to washing down the bitumen edge.
We also use cold Emulsion,sealed the last road with it.
You would need to spray it on and spread bluemetal over it,2 coats is best.It will be alot cheaper than asphalt and do the same job.
We but it locally from a road building contractor.We just fill 44 gal drums and use a watering can and when patching.
You SHOULD be able to get the gear to hire or find a contractor that does carparks.Prep is the same.
Andrew

Would agree that hot mix is the way to go , ensure you have a stable compacted base and if possible install a concrete edge to contain the asphalt , most bitumen drives fail by cracking along the edges and potholing where the compaction has not been sufficient.The concreting and compaction can be done by yourself and a few mates but would suggest you save up and get the whole thing " hotmixed " at the one time by a professional. Once you have concreted and compacted it will be right to drive on anyway Rgrds